This year is the 20th anniversary of G4’s appearance on the first series of The X Factor in 2004, and the group is made up of original members Jonathan Ansell and Mike Christie, and new members Duncan Sandilands and Jai McDowall, who joined in 2019 and 2023. G4 are releasing their new album 20 digitally on 12th April and physical copies on 17th May, and it features songs including Goodnight Sweetheart and covers of songs by Billie Eilish, James Blunt and Dusty Springfield, with her song Io Che Non Vivo Senza Te (You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me) being the first single release of the album, with both English and Italian lyrics. For the new album, G4 reunited with Grammy-winning producer Brian Rawling, having worked together on their debut album release in 2005. Next month, G4 start their 20th Anniversary Tour, when they open on 16th April at the Assembly Hall in Worthing, with dates around the country finishing at Stockport Plaza on 15th October, and they are set to also head out on a Christmas Tour later this year. Chatting to G4, we found out from them about their upcoming album release 20, what audiences can expect from their 20th Anniversary Tour and some of their highlights over the years since appearing on The X Factor in 2004.
Can you tell us about your new album 20, which will be releasing digitally on 12th April and physically on 17th May?
The album is to celebrate our 20th anniversary since our appearance on the very first series of The X Factor in 2004. We have selected a wide variety of songs including the first song we ever sang as a group when we were a barbershop quartet – Goodnight Sweetheart – alongside covers of songs by Billie Eilish, James Blunt and Dusty Springfield, and even a song in Mandarin!
This is your first album with members Duncan (Sandilands) and Jai (McDowall), what has it been like working on it together and how long has the album been in the making?
We have been working on it for about a year, which started last year when we were on tour brainstorming songs and coming up with ideas. We’ve had so much fun at each stage of the process, with a particular highlight being when we heard the orchestra playing the songs for the first time and were swept away by the sound. We feel the album really showcases each of our contrasting voices and when we harmonise together some songs have as much as a three octave range between the highest and lowest voices.
Do you each have a favourite song on 20 and how did you decide on the tracklist?
Jon (Ansell) and Jai’s favourite is Vampire, as it is combined with Creep which has created an exhilarating and haunting result. Mike’s (Christie) favourite is Goodnight Sweetheart, as it harks back to the earlier days of the group. Duncan’s favourite is What Was I Made For?, which worked out a good choice as it has just won an Oscar!
How does it feel to be celebrating the group’s 20th anniversary and how has it been seeing the fan response to the album announcement?
It really is incredible to think of the journey we have been on over the past two decades, and even more so to think of all the fans who have been with us right from the start. But we’re forever picking up new fans along the way as they discover our music for the first time, which is always special. Everyone has given us such positive feedback on what they’ve heard so far of the album. We just can’t wait for you to hear the whole thing!
You have already released Io Che Non Vivo Senza Te (You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me), what did you enjoy most about covering this song?
Well, firstly we just think it’s a brilliant song, and love the drama in the iconic Dusty Springfield version. However, we wanted to really bring the emotion to the fore with more brass instruments and the full orchestral sound, plus combine both English and Italian lyrics to create our own unique version, that hopefully sweeps the audience off their feet and they hear the song in a new light, whilst still being familiar.
20 sees you reunite with Grammy-winning producer Brian Rawling, who you worked with on your debut album, how was it having him produce another of your albums?
He’s one of the very best in the business and has had endless hits with the biggest artists, so it’s an honour working with him. It has also been very humbling reconnecting with him and having that connection back to our debut album.
In April, you will be embarking on your 20th Anniversary Tour, which starts on 16th April at the Assembly Hall in Worthing and finishes on 15th October at Stockport Plaza, what are you looking forward to for this tour?
It really is our favourite part of the job; singing live on stage! Being in front of a live audience is the best feeling in the world for us as singers, and to be still sharing our music all of these years on, especially the songs from our new album, makes it feel extra special.
How are you preparing for the tour and what can audiences expect from the performance?
We have just been in rehearsals putting the show together. People can expect laughter, tears, and, of course, the unexpected! But ultimately the ‘classic’ songs that everyone remembers us by such as Bohemian Rhapsody, My Way and Circle of Life, plus the new album in its entirety!
You are also heading out on another Christmas Tour this November and December, what are these concerts like to perform and who do you think will enjoy these shows?
The Christmas tour is an absolute joy as we get to perform in the most iconic and beautiful cathedrals across the whole of Great Britain! It takes us back to our roots, and we perform as four voices and piano, so it is super-exposed and gorgeously festive, plus the acoustics are out of this world!
What have been some of your favourite highlights of your music career so far?
We have been so fortunate over the years, from our debut album going to number one and being the biggest selling album of the year, to duetting with Lesley Garrett, Robin Gibb, Merrill Osmond, Stephen Gately and Sir Cliff Richard, and performing at the Royal Albert Hall about a dozen times.
Can you tell us about each band member and how did you each originally get into music?
Jon – I sang louder in assembly than any other of my schoolmates, especially the other boys. I then auditioned for the West Sussex Boys Choir and subsequently toured with them around the UK, Europe and Florida. This developed my love for performing and sparked my desire to try and perform for the rest of my life.
Jai – I got into music because of my dad, he sings and plays guitar, and music was always around so it felt like a natural career path when I realised I could sing.
Mike – I was a boy chorister from the age of eight to 13, which cemented my love of music and performing. During this time, I was in the choirs in the movie Four Weddings and a Funeral, and got to meet Rowan Atkinson, or Mr. Bean as I knew him then!
Duncan – Whether it was listening to Gilbert and Sullivan with my mother over tea and cake, or road trips with my father listening to The Beach Boys, music has always been a great comfort to me. I was also lucky to sing in an incredible chamber choir when I was at school, where we were blessed with a brilliant and inspiring Head of Music.
Do you have any favourite music artists to listen to?
Jon – I adore Teddy Swims and saw him live last year at Leeds United University. John Legend’s voice is a real go-to for me. I also adore Pavarotti and the Three Tenors.
Jai – My favourite music artist is Kelly Clarkson, the woman can do no wrong. I love her voice and she seems like such a fun person to be around too.
Mike – I have such an eclectic taste; anything from Glenn Miller to Lighthouse Family, and Manic Street Preachers to Mascagni.
Duncan – Most of my favourite artists are sadly no longer with us. The Ink Spots, Al Bowlly and Frank Sinatra all have a very special place in my heart. As for living artists, Brian McKnight is an extraordinary vocalist and an insane musician.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Jon – Fishing, family and gardening.
Jai – Spending time with family, reading and travelling.
Mike – Tennis, cooking and family time.
Duncan – Family adventures, sea swimming and telling stories.
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